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Margaretville

By Joan Lawrence-Bauer
A successful “Holiday on Main” event in Margaretville the Saturday after Thanksgiving has led to the formation of a new group that hopes to replicate the success and bring more people to the village. The Business Association of Margaretville (BAM) held a meeting Tuesday evening to plan a February event, which will be followed by other activities and events throughout the year.

By Joe Moskowitz
The State of New York has promised the Village of Margaretville $6 million to help limit the damage caused by future floods.
Margaretville Mayor Diana Cope said the state will indeed write the checks to Margaretville and other “Rising Communities,” but she said that the state doesn’t want any more planning, so it has hired outside help to get the planning process finished and the work begun.

By Brian Sweeney
Emilie Beers was the first-place winner of the third annual Math Bee for sixth- and seventh-graders at Margaret­ville Central School (MCS) held November 20.
Emilie, who is in seventh grade, received a seven-inch Kindle Fire tablet for winning first-place in the competition.

The Fairview Library in Margaretville is the recipient of a $16,000 grant that will be utilized to help fund capital improvements.
State Senator James Seward (R-Oneonta) secured the grant funding. The money will be utilized to help pay for a renovation project that will help bring Fairview Library into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

By Joe Moskowitz
The Village of Margaretville is expecting millions of dollars from the State of New York in the form of New York Rising grants to fund projects to help alleviate future flood damage. But Margaretville Mayor Diana Cope said this week that the state needs to answer some questions, including whether the village can afford to accept the money.

By John Bernhardt
“Anything is possible in soccer.” That statement made by a Margaretville girls’ soccer play­er sums up the promise that comes each fall as local teams prepare for a new soccer campaign. And, that sense of optimism reflects the attitude around the Blue Devils’ preseason prep­arations in Margaretville.
“There’s good potential on this squad,” notes Margaretville coach Toni Smith. “We have all-around character athletes with positive leadership, a strong work ethic and good attitudes. That can go a long way on the soccer field.”

By Brian Sweeney
Margaretville Central School Building Principal Linda Taylor announced last week that she is leaving her position to take a new job.
Ms. Taylor’s announcement came several days after Superintendent Tony Albanese informed the board of education that he is taking a new job and will be leaving the district in November.
The building principal has worked at MCS since 2005. In a statement to the board and staff, Ms. Taylor said she has taken a job that will be much closer to her Saratoga Springs home.

Anthony Albanese has announced his retirement as Superintendent of Margaretville Central School, effective November 4.
While Mr. Albanese still has two years left on his contract with Margaretville, he has found a professional opportunity has presented itself that will bring him closer to his home and family in Scotia.
During his six-year tenure at Margaretville, Mr. Albanese cited the following accomplishments: overcoming decreased state aid, Gap Elimination and overcoming flooding from Hurricane Irene.

By Joe Moskowitz
When something needs to get done right, it’s sometimes best to avoid the middleman.
Margaretville resident Marc Osterweil thought that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) was moving too slowly on replacing the village’s Swart Street bridge, so he went all the way to the President of the United States. And, his appeal to the Commander in Chief may have worked.
A detailed response to Osterweil from a high ranking FEMA official explained the problem and said that the Swart Street bridge replacement is now a FEMA priority item.

By Joe Moskowitz
Saturday, June 28 was Graduation day at Margaretville Central School was June 28. It was a day when those 17-, 18-, and 19-year olds go from being a kid in school to embarking on his or her next step in education, start a career, or possibly join one of the armed forces.
Along with the Class of 2014, there were three other MCS degree candidates who were somewhat older. Their high-school careers had been interrupted by military service while their country was at war.WELL EARNED — Three area men, from left, Barry Lewis, Denny Bruno and Milton Laub, received honorary diplomas as Margaretville’s graduation on June 28 as part of “Operation Recognition,” which spotlights veterans whose education was interrupted by service to their country. — Photo by Joe Moskowitz